American Idioms and Expressions

Big Cheese/gun/wheel Idiom

This database is a comprehensive collection of all the American idioms and slang available. American Idioms are many and varied. We hope you enjoy our collection. We are adding more all the time. .

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
big cheese/gun/wheel
What does big cheese/gun/wheel mean?		 an important person, a leaderThe new director was a big wheel in his previous company but he is not so important now.

Some Random Idioms
rooted in (something)
What does "rooted in (something)" mean?		 to be based on somethingThe popularity of the politician is rooted in his strong moral values and honesty.
let the grass grow under one`s feet
What does "let the grass grow under one`s feet" mean?		 to be idle, to be lazy, to waste timeMy friend is never content to let the grass grow under his feet. He is always busy.
hot potato
What does "hot potato" mean?		 a question or argument that is controversial and difficult to settleThe issue of building the nuclear power plant is a hot potato for the local town council.
risk one's neck (to do something)
What does "risk one's neck (to do something)" mean?		 to risk harm in order to do something The fireman risked his neck to save the young child.

walk the plank
What does "walk the plank" mean?		 be forced to resign from a jobThe vice-president was forced to walk the plank when the new president joined the company.
break even
What does "break even" mean?		 to have income equal to expensesAfter only a few months our business began to break even and we started to make money.
wine and dine (someone)
What does "wine and dine (someone)" mean?		 to treat someone to an expensive meal, to entertain someone in a lavish manner My uncle often has to wine and dine his important business clients.

eating Idioms



bend over backwards (to do something)
What does "bend over backwards (to do something)" mean?		 to try very hard to do something"I will bend over backwards to help you get a job in this company."
give (someone) a fair shake
What does "give (someone) a fair shake" mean?		 to give someone fair treatment The man did not believe that the judge would give him a fair shake at his trial.

fly in the ointment
What does "fly in the ointment" mean?		 something small that spoils one`s funThe complaints about the food were a fly in the ointment and gave everyone a bad feeling about the gathering.
Search

Searching for?
 

Sponsors

Valid HTML 4.01 Transitional Valid HTML 4.01 Transitional Valid HTML 4.01 Transitional Valid HTML 4.01 Transitional